Been to WDW - First time to Disneyland

[Madsofa]

I'm trying to help my sister plan her trip to Disneyland. I've been to Disneyworld a few times and know there are must do early rides or you wait for a couple of hours - like Soarin @ Epcot, Toy Story Mania @ Hollywood Studios, Dumbo, Space Mountain, etc.
Trying to figure out what those rides are for Disneyland. They have 3 day park passes.
Any advice on a plan of attack? She has three kids - 16 yr old son, 11 yr old daughter and 9 yr old daughter.

 

[KCmike]

Wait times are not bad at DL at all. Rides that I have found that build up quickly at DL are: Peter Pan, Space Mtn, and Splash.

At DCA its all about Toy Story Mania and now of course Little Mermaid.

They are going to fall in love with Disneyland. It is far and away the best Disney park. It is just amazing (coming from a WDW vet). If they don't have special package vouchers for Aladdin stage then they will need to arrive an hour early for that show as well. It is a must do!

 

[skiingfast]

I suggest you take a look at Hydorguys thread that is for WDW coming to DLR.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Though as far as rides.

In DL hit Star Tours first. The lines is much longer than anything else in DL and the FPs have been running out by mid morning.

In DCA, you can ride and FP Soarin before the rest of the park opens. While it does get long lines it is not even close to as bad as in Epcot. Little Mermaid though goes from short wait right away to long wait, but settle down by mid morning. TSMM should be your priority when the rest of the park is open because it doesn't have Fast Pass in DCA.

In that link above make sure you read about Fast Pass, while the thread isn't perfectly up to date. Unless you are an expert at WDW FPs you can learn some things about how to use them there too and the tiny differences in strategy you can use in DLR.

Also pay attention to Morning Magic the non equivilent but similar to EMH, your friend will get one credit with thier 3 day tickets.

 

[maxtomsmom]

Wait times are not bad at DL at all. Rides that I have found that build up quickly at DL are: Peter Pan, Space Mtn, and Splash.

At DCA its all about Toy Story Mania and now of course Little Mermaid.

They are going to fall in love with Disneyland. It is far and away the best Disney park. It is just amazing (coming from a WDW vet). If they don't have special package vouchers for Aladdin stage then they will need to arrive an hour early for that show as well. It is a must do!

What is the special package vouchers and how do you get them? Thanks

 

[skiingfast]

What is the special package vouchers and how do you get them? Thanks

When you get a Walt Disney Travel Package it comes with priority seating. It is worth a very small amount so don't base a desision to book that way base on what you read here.

While it will get you a better seat, though I suggest 30 minutes ahead rather the KCmikes 60 minutes early, many people like the regular seating better. And the standby option to get what you would like.

 

[KCmike]

Yeah if you book with Disney travel they send you vouchers for free disney pins, vouchers for priority seating for Aladdin, parade, muppets, etc. We've also gotten a Disneyland backpack the times we've have gone as well. The only good priority seating one is the voucher for Aladdin but it isn't a deal breaker. It is nice to go in before anyone else though. Everytime we've been there the line has started right at the 60 min mark but we go in the summertime.

 

[Madsofa]

Thanks for all the great responses! I will share the info with my sister!